Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) policy prohibits the discrimination based on gender in its educational programs and activities. TSTC is committed to creating an environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Discrimination:

TSTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, or on any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law (SOS HR 2.1.14) in its programs and activities and provides equal access to applicants, employees and students.

Sexual Harrassment:

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and therefore prohibited under Title IX. “Sexual harassment is conduct that is sexual in nature, unwelcome and denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s education program.”

The following are examples of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment:

Inappropriate touching, patting or pinching

Physical assault or coerced sexual activity

Obscene phone calls, texts, email or gestures

Badgering someone for a date

Repeatedly making in appropriate sexual comments or unwanted sexual advances

Quid Pro Quo – Latin meaning “this for that.” The more commonly understood meaning is “if you do something for me, I’ll do something for you.” An example of quid pro quo is when an instructor threatens to fail a student unless the student agrees to date the instructor.

Hostile Work Environment – Hostile environment occurs when unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a student’s ability to benefit from an educational program or activity, or creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment. A hostile environment can be created by a college employee, another student, or even someone visiting the college such as a student or employee from another school or college.

Any person (student, faculty, staff or guest) who believes they have been subjected to discriminatory practices bases upon gender may discuss their concerns and/or file a complaint with the following Title IX Coordinator: